The future of cycling.

To be completely honest, we weren't expecting Giordana's next evolutionary step to occur so shortly after the creation of FormaRed Carbon. However, we welcome it all the same. With its new EXO Bib Knickers, Giordana has completely rewritten the book on cycling apparel by incorporating the most progressive paneling on the market, a compressive focus, and by somehow making knickers more comfortable than bib shorts in the summer months.

So, you're surely asking, what is it that makes these bib knickers so phenomenal? Well, the name says it all. EXO is short for 'external optimization,' meaning that Giordana is targeting specific muscle groups and regions in order to enhance support and to reduce aerodynamic drag. Right, you've heard this before, but Giordana pursued this initiative with such vigor that it created four exclusive fabrics, and revolutionized the placement and construction of paneling.

Starting at the bulk of the construction, Giordana incorporated its certified Power Lycra fabric, Moovix, at specific leg panels that benefit from its compressive composition. In fact, with a composition weight of 210g/m2, Moovix's compression level is gravitating towards those found in recovery pieces. However, where it differs from these is that it does not feature the gradient design that propagates the enhanced blood flow to the heart. Instead, this material places a focus on muscle support and isolation. By doing this, the Moovix panels limit any needless muscle movement in the pedal stroke, while also protecting against the fatigue-inducing effects of road vibration and muscle oscillation. And while you might be thinking that this sounds overly tight and stuffy, Moovix actually features a hollow microfiber composition that's been knit into a honeycomb structure. Accordingly, the material retains an omnidirectional stretch, as well as breathing and managing moisture with ease.

These attributes are furthered, in a lighter degree, throughout the remaining leg panels. To achieve this, Giordana incorporated its new Granfondo material. This material features a higher thread count than Moovix, while also retaining a similar level of compressive-quality. Accordingly, Granfondo is lighter weight, softer, and more conforming to the muscle groups. In fact, it works almost opposite to the material that's been placed at the inner-thigh and seat panel, Zaffiro. Now, while Zaffiro is similarly soft at the inner-layer against the skin, this material's primary duty is to resist external abrasion, thus its placement at the highest points of friction. As a result, the life of the bib knickers is extended, and your legs remain free from any chafing.

Moving up the towards the waist, we find the same Ametista Core Contour system that's found in FormaRed Carbon. This system relies on the Ametista fabric, which is placed at the circumference of the waist. Again, we see a high-level, 200g/m2 Lycra, only now, Ametista is characterized by its woven-in carbon threads. With the carbon filament, material stretch is controlled, but not just in the supportive sense. Basically, the carbon reinforces the honeycomb-knit Lycra, making it lighter, yet stronger, and allowing it universally stretch in all directions, not just four-way. Additionally, the carbon fiber blocks out static and rogue atmospheric electrical interference for an increased anaerobic output and a delayed onset of fatigue.

At the rear upper panel of the hips, Giordana placed its new lightweight Illusion mesh panels in order to increase ventilation. This concept is furthered by the new AeroFix Pro uppers that provide both omnidirectional stretch and the utmost in breathability. And, of course, AeroFix Pro's primary duty is securing the precise, targeted fit of the EXO bib knickers. The flatlock seams of EXO have been oriented as to provide conformity to body within the cycling position. However, it also follows the muscle groups of the legs in order to provide the aforementioned isolation and support. Accordingly, EXO provides maximum coverage to the muscles. Altogether, the various components of EXO's construction create a second-skin fit that increases airflow over the body, reducing your aerodynamic profile, supporting the knees, and assisting in a more uniform pedal stroke.

The bib knickers' chamois is one that Giordana touts as being the most advanced in the industry -- the Cirro O.F.. We don't deal in absolutes, but we can say that it's the first chamois we've heard of with Aloe Vera particles directly infused into the threads of the microfiber. Aloe is not only a natural bacteria fighter, but its implementation in the fiber provides a cooling effect that protects and heals during activity. Below the skin layer, the Cirro has a 4mm-thick pad of waffled-texture expanding memory foam. The texture aids in ventilation by moving moisture to the perimeter of the chamois where accelerated evaporation can occur. The final layer of the chamois is a thick section of hand-sewn open cell padding with recessed channels for pressure relief. These technologies amount to a chamois that won't get wet and nasty 100 miles into a ride, let alone 20.

The Giordana EXO Bib Knickers are available in five sizes from Small to XX-Large and in the colors Black and Black/blue.

Comment on Richard's review:

Giordana EXO Bib Knickers

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Large

I hadn't tried Giordana for quite some time and was expecting to upgrade to a pair of 3/4 knickers. I read a lot of reviews all touting the virtues of the EXO line before my purchase. It is their flagship line and I was very excited to try them out. My recent experience has been with Castelli Body Paint2, and Assos Fl 13. Both perform as expected with the Assos beyond compare after 5 seasons!. I've tried on virtually every manufacturer over the past 35+ years of riding doing mega-miles ( many 24+ hour events) so I feel that I have a fair amount of experience who has the attention to detail for that ultimate fit. I try to keep a blind eye to pricing, only because with most everything in this world, you get what you pay for.

The fit and finish of these 3/4 knickers at first glance is impressive. The die lot and attention to detail in their fabrication looks spot on. They look great once you carefully slip into them. Quality straps and a variety of compressive materials along with impeccable stitching make these bibs stand out in the crowd. And that's what you expect. You'll look like a million bucks goin' down the road. Upon my first two rides I was concerned that they may be a little on the tight side under the knees but that chafing went away after about 100 miles on two separate rides. Originally the compression was perfect and I was impressed on how well they fit. What I questioned was how the aloe pad was going to work. It is advised that no chamois crème should be used as it is pre-impregnated.

Really? How's that going to work I wondered without creating hot spots? The pad looked quite generic for a high end line but decided to "go naked" without the crème as directed. As any high end bibs will feel great from the get go, I had my doubts, but kept an open mind. Now my doubts are confirmed after just 15 separate rides. This pad just doesn't cut it. It's the most crucial part of this gear and is in need of a high end replacement! The Assos FL. 13 blows this line away hands down in overall comfort even though the pad doesn't look like anything special. They just work. I'm quite surprised EXO doesn't even compare with the Body Paint2 or the upper line Santini's for that matter who seem to have it dialed in. Also, the compression on the inside of my quads is already starting to fade.Odd I thought, because everything else about the construction is spot on when in position. I really want to like them, but without a pad that doesn't keep you comfortable for hours on end without constantly having to move around ... I'll pass on getting a second pair. The EXO line pad needs to be switched out and that's the reason for the lower rating.

Such a shame ...I expected much better from Giordana. It's a bit of a disappointment for the amount of $$$ these cost.

Comment on Rick Bozeat B.'s review:

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most excellent kit!

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Excellent fit, and one of the best pads I've used including Rapha or Castelli X2. Used during a 72 degree day, fairly brisk ride and was not excessively warm. Nice compression feeling as well. I'm 5'8" 150, fairly muscular, medium was perfect.

Comment on david's review:

OUI!

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I own ( and love) some of the older FRC, and when I saw these, along with the positive reviews, I decided to give them a go. Yes, they are expensive. But oh boy - they are superb. In the great white north, I really only wear bib knickers when it dips below the mid 30's F, however these bib knickers are definitely not designed for cold weather. The airy construction and UV protection make them very comfortable in warmer temps, I've now used them on a couple of mid distance rides (40 miles) in mid 70 weather, and they were excellent. So onto the details. By way of comparison, my other high end gear that I would set them alongside would be Assos (FI 13 S_5, size S), Rapha (Pro bibs, size XS) and my older FRC gear (size S). I am 5'8''. 130, athletic. My preferences for cycling bibs are towards the compression end of the spectrum. Compression-wise, the EXO is medium, as compared to the Rapha. This may well be because of sizing, and cut. Nonetheless, on my medium-length rides it was superbly comfortable. Longer rides will tell me if they do indeed reduce fatigue or not. The chamois is really good. Certainly better than my old FRC, and possibly edging out the Assos. But for me, the Rapha Cytech pad is more comfortable. Of all the three, I liked the bib straps the most on the EXO! They simply vanish when riding. I completely forgot they were there, until I got off the bike. Compression on the mid section is good, and not at all restrictive, and as someone else mentioned, the lower cut is great (and convenient) I like these a LOT. Enough to think about picking up a second pair, and I am considering the bib shorts as well. Zero regrets about the cost - it is well worth it!

Comment on Andrea C B.'s review:

Um, yes!

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I know they're $325 but they feel like a million bucks! I paired these bibs with the matching white jersey and compression socks and powered through a 98 mile ride! Now, I can't totally credit the EXO system but it definitely helped. The compression on the bibs was just enough to prevent my knees from getting that pulsing/bulging they're-about-to-explode feeling (the ride included 6500 ft. of climbing) and felt luxurious against my skin. The chamois was also very comfortable but for a ten hour ride I did find the last couple hours I was shifting to get comfortable again, but for shorter rides, up to 70 miles, these will probably keep your buns very happy. Also, a reviewer on Youtube said Giordana suggested not using chamois cream with these bibs as it would degrade the aloe vera treatment and to ride in them sans any lubrication, but I have not fact-checked that yet. Also, the knicker part, which I thought was kind of long, is meant to cover the entire calf, so when worn with the matching compression socks only an inch or so of skin show. They stayed very cool, but if you need more ventilation maybe pair with shorter socks. All in all, have worn once, loved them the first, washed them immediately, and definitely itching to use them on the very next ride!

Comment on Matthew Wiegand's review:

EXO Bib Knickers

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Product description is spot on in every sense. These are by far the best cold weather cycling pants I have ever used. If you are able to consider one of the upper end cold weather cycle pant being they all come with a somewhat sticker shock price, you would be well served to drop another few dollars for these which stand at the upper end of not only quality but price. On the natural you will be able to sustain speed of 1-2 MPH faster over long distances and leg fatigue is practicality eliminated. I was more than pleasantly surprised. Also run true to size so whatever size you wear in a short of bib order same.

Comment on Adam D's productImage:

Comment on Jonny Heinken's comment:

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WOW!

I just picked up a pair of these and I'm very impressed! I didn't think Giordana could do better than the FRC but they somehow managed. I have 5 rides on them now and its my go to short for anything from 50 to 90 degrees. The Compressions is noticeable and keeps the muscles happy on the longest of rides.

I hate to say it, but my Assos shorts may now be set aside for trainer rides.